Classics 220 1st Edition Lecture 1 MythMyth- an authoritative story about the world, accepted with in a given community as true.The truths involved can be at all levels: spiritual, cosmological, political, social, psychologicalWhether the stories are true or not, in a factual sense, they “work” as a way of understanding the worldMyth Vs. LogosMyth: authoritative story about the world—Marked as “not true” ex. George Washington and the Cherry Tree, the first ThanksgivingLogos: just one of many stories; not authoritative—true not because of words, but because its right. Myths can take many forms/variationso Presented in sculptures, paintings, vases, oral sayings, song and dance, and literary textThe Origins of the Myth- Personification and explaining natural forces- Personifying psychological forces- Memorial historical eventsRitual- Regularly reoccurring action- Done for symbolic value- Special places, times, words, objects, people- Set apart from everyday lifeWeddings, Thanksgiving, Initiation, The Last SupperReligion= myth+ ritual- Myth explains ritual and gives it a context—ritual brings myth into the here and now- Greece and Rome- rituals are goneThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Myths remain in representations in literatureo This is why ancient Greek texts are not scripture [Greeks need performance/reenactment in rituals to be scared]There is no word for “religion” in Greek or Latin because its not separable for the rest of life—family life, citizenship, business, sports, arts etc. Both a “PanHellenic” (all Greek) and a local dimension. Greece “city-states”= PolisCultural InstitutionsGods- Gods- 12 or so Olympian Gods (most important)- Worshiped everywhere in the Greek world- Associated with the forces of life sun, moon, rain, sea, love/sex, food, drink, death, music)- Not necessary good or connected with human problems Olympian Gods are important to local religion as well. Also gods of local places—springs rivers, treesMost important= hero Part 2- The Goddesses Women- Status of men women are far from
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